I felt welcomed. It didn’t feel like anyone was hesitant or holding back. People were warm, and it felt genuine. And as I kept meeting more people, I started thinking, “This is exactly what we’re looking for as a family.” I kept meeting moms and women who were walking with the Lord. They were real and authentic—just Christian women trying to grow in their faith.

Zach: That’s right. It wasn’t just that they were nice; they were striving for transparency and growth, and they made me want to be part of it. It felt like this was a community of people living in the city, trying to walk with Christ together.

As you’ve started to get involved, what moments or interactions have made you feel especially welcomed or connected to the church?

Juliana: Honestly, it’s hard to put into words. It’s kind of like dating—you know when it feels right. Everything here felt intentional about what really matters: the people, the conversations, and the focus on Christ.

We weren’t looking for perfection. We knew there would be challenges, growing pains, and moments where we might clash with people, but that didn’t scare us. We were okay with that because it felt worth it. After a spiritually dry season for the past year, we were just so refreshed here. It filled us up in a way we hadn’t experienced in a long time. For the first time in two years, we were finally excited about coming to church. I didn’t realize how lonely we had been until we weren’t anymore.

Zach: Exactly. For the first time in two years, church didn’t feel like an obligation. We weren’t dragging ourselves there; we actually wanted to come back.

Juliana: We loved everything about it. I remember looking around and seeing babies and silver-haired saints. It wasn’t just a church for one generation or one group of people. It was multi-generational in a real way. There were people who could mentor us, speak wisdom into our lives, and encourage us to grow.

Zach: The whole congregation felt intentional, striving to be Christlike and further the Gospel. That energy made us want to jump in and be part of it. We didn’t feel like we’d have to drag people along—it was more like being pulled into something already moving.

Moving into a new church can be challenging. What advice would you give to someone who’s new to Redeemer and looking to find their place in the church?

Juliana: I actually talked to someone new a couple of weeks ago. Its odd to think that we aren’t new people anymore. I told her how much we loved it here, how welcomed we felt, and how quickly the church is growing.

Zach: Yeah, the church is growing so quickly! And honestly, I haven’t found a specific “place” where I belong yet, like a small group or ministry, but that’s okay. The whole church makes me feel welcome. From day one, people introduced themselves, and there are guys I talk to every Sunday. The Third Sunday meals have also been amazing—just sitting down with people over food has been a great way to connect.

Juliana: I feel like I’m in a season where I can’t offer much, but that’s okay here. You can show up on good days and bad days, and no one expects you to perform or pretend. It’s like a family—you bring what you have, even if it’s just your “fishes and loaves,” and that’s enough.